We Put the Therapy in Massage Therapy...

Yes, I am an LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) and a CMLDT – Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist. I’m a graduate of Klose Training, utilizing the Dr. Vodder Technique, which is considered the gold standard in the industry.

We are draining lymph fluid. Lymph Fluid consists of water, protein, fat and fat-soluble vitamins and cells (dead or foreign cells). The accumulation occurs just under our skin (it’s interstitial).

Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD is a type of gentle massage which is intended to encourage the natural absorption and drainage of lymph fluid from the body tissue. Using very light rhythmic pressure and very specific strokes, the therapist helps drain puffy, swollen or inflamed tissue, support the body's immune system, and help the body heal from surgery and speed up recovery.

Manual lymphatic drainage is never painful as it consists of very light rhythmic strokes, just enough to stretch the skin a little to help stimulate lymph flow. The aim of the massage is to move fluid from the swollen area into an area where the lymphatic system is working normally.

The patient typically starts supine (face up) with their head and knees slightly elevated.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage is never painful. It feels like a very gentle rhythmic touch. It is super relaxing – in fact, most clients doze off and often fall asleep during the massage (snoring and drooling are totally ok! ;)).

Virtually everyone can benefit from lymphatic drainage as a way to boost their immune system, especially during cold and flu season, or anyone who suffers from fluid retention, allergies, chronic sinusitis or bronchitis.

MLD is also very effective in managing Fibromyalgia and Lyme disease symptoms.

MLD is especially beneficial for swelling (edema) and/or inflammation as a result of injury or trauma to the body, such as, surgery, joint sprains, whiplash or dental work.

Always go by what your doctor/surgeon recommends. If there are no specific instructions, you can begin MLD treatments in as little as 3 days post op, however, some clients (and it is our recommendation) choose to wait 5 days or until they can drive themselves to their appointment.

Yes. Our top-of-the-line massage tables are set up for that. No need for your special cushion, your lower half (the BBL area) will practically be suspended and won’t be touching the table.

Yes, MLD can be performed while the drains are still attached. We typically wait until after they are removed, and allow an extra 2~3 days for the incisions to close, but If you are in pain, feeling swollen, tight or experiencing a lot of discomfort feel free to book a Lymphatic Drainage Massage session with us. It'll help.

Because every person’s body is different, there is no clear-cut answer. Most feel relief and/or see a visual difference (in case of edema) immediately after the session or most likely the next morning, whereas others may not feel a difference in the first 1-2 sessions.

Post surgery, the ideal treatment plan is twice a week or every other day for the first 4 sessions, followed by an evaluation of progress. After the evaluation, sessions may be spaced out to once or twice a week until swelling is significantly decreased and does not return between sessions.

It's important to remember that lymph needs to be stimulated in order to flow properly and that lying down and resting, while necessary, does not help the flow of lymph fluid (you will be given simple “homework” exercises).

Yes and No. It depends on our sessions’ goal.

Post-surgery MLD – It is possible, but not likely to produce the desired results of long-term reduction of fluid buildup if scheduled only once a week.

If our goal is boosting your immune system, enjoying the strong analgesic affect MLD has on the body or helping manage fibromyalgia symptoms, as an example, then yes, a visit once a week will still be effective. Even once every two to three weeks or on a “as needed basis” will be effective in some cases.

Yes, it is highly recommended. 

MLD will be most effective if treatment is continued at home between sessions.

• First and foremost - DRINK WATER. A good guideline is half your bodyweight in ounces. (If you weigh 200lb, drink 100 oz a day).

• Try walking a total of 1 hour a day. Not all at once. 5~10 minute sessions each time every hour.

• If you're receiving lymphatic drainage as a result of plastic surgery, you will need to wear the compression garments (and boards) as directed by your physician.

• Diaphragmatic breathing (that you will learn when you come in) will also boost the effect of our sessions.

MLD is contraindicated (should not be performed) in these cases:

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Active cancer (unless cleared by your physician)

Fever

Care should be taken in cases of:

Hyperthyroidism

Chronic inflammation

Hypotension (high blood pressure)

While there are no adverse side effects known with MLD, some clients report an increase in urination due to fluid drainage 12~24 hours after the massage.

Absolutely!

​

(737) 808 4228

Moe@MassageInATX.com

M-F 08:00 – 20:00

S-S 10:00 – 18:00